Beyond(9)

I open my mouth, and then close it. “You’re the one offering your friend up to take your place in what’s meant to be one of the most memorable moments of my life.”

With that, I storm off and lock myself in my room.

Just when I thought that maybe, just maybe, everything would work out.





I’ve just dressed after a cold bath when there’s a knock at my door. Thinking it was my dad, I pull the towel off my head and throw it on my bed, then open it. When is see Dane standing there, I open my mouth to tell him I don’t want to talk to him. But then he shuts me up. Before a word can leave my lips he steps forward, grips my nape in his hand and kisses me. His lips are soft, and he tastes like cherries. Stunned, I don’t pull away. If I wanted to be honest with myself, I’d always wondered what kissing him would be like. I thought it would be amazing.

It was.

It was even better than amazing.

It was addictive.

He brings his body against mine as his tongue enters my mouth, stroking my own.

Tasting me.

His other hand cups my cheek, and my own hands move of their own accord, wrapping around his lean hips. Sucking on my bottom lip, he makes a deep guttural sound in his throat before he pulls away. Feeling shaky, I stare up at him, then bring a finger to my tingling mouth, rubbing it.

Dane looks surprised too, his eyes are filled with lust and his mouth is slightly open.

“Fuck, I want to do that again.”

“Dane--”

The kiss was everything I ever dreamed it would be.

“Now Lars won’t be your first kiss,” he says, gaze lowering back to my mouth.

“What?” I screech at him. He was still going to let Lars ‘stand in’ for him at our wedding?

“Get out,” I seethe.

His eyes widen at the anger in my tone. “Olivia.”

“Dane, get out of my room.”

He doesn’t move, so I push him. When he’s across the threshold, I slam the door in his face.

Rubbing my forehead, I pick the towel up from my bed and dry my hair. Was I going to have to kiss Lars? How could my dad allow this? What was so important about this trip? Was it a raid? Or just a hunt? So many questions. I decide to pay Sam a visit, to see what he knows about it.





“I don’t know anything,” Sam says, eyes darting around the hallway. “And you aren’t supposed to be here.”

I look behind him in amusement. “Is someone in there with you?”

I go on my tip-toes and try to look behind him.

“Olivia,” he whisper-shouts, eyes begging with me to leave it alone.

“Who is it,” I whisper back, curious as hell.

“Olivia.”

“Fine,” I reply, sighing. “So you’re not going anywhere for three weeks?”

Sam shakes his head, his curly hair shaking. “No. No one mentioned leaving the castle and you know I always go when they do.”

Interesting.

“Okay Sam,” I say. “Come and see me when you’re free.”

His mouth twitches as he nods and then he closes the door. I hear it lock. Turning around and going the way I came, I’m almost at the women’s dorms when I see Lars walking in my direction.

“Well if it isn’t my fake husband,” I say, sarcasm lacing my tone. “Should we practice kissing for the big day?”

Lars looks less impressed than me about the possibility. “Olivia,” he says, nodding his head.

“Lars,” I return. “Would you like to walk me to my door? I’ve been told it’s not safe for me to wander the halls.”

He looks behind me, as if hoping to escape.

“Of course you wouldn’t mind,” I continue when he doesn’t reply. “You’re a gentleman, aren’t you?”

I grab his arm and pull him in my direction. “Having a good evening?”

“I was,” he replies dryly.

I suck in my lips, trying not to laugh. “I actually have something to ask you.”

He sighs, but stays quiet.

“Oh come on Lars, I know you can talk. I’ve heard you before, in the halls, gossiping away with Dane like a couple of old maids. I believe I was even the subject once.”

He makes a choking sound which has me glancing up at him. “Are you always so forward?” he asks.

I shrug. “I’ll be saying my vows to you so it’s almost like you’re my fiancé, right?”

He stops in his tracks. “What do you want Olivia?”

“I like the way you say my name Lars,” I purr. “Would you like to--”

“Remove your hand from the poor man Olivia, Christ,” I hear Dane say from behind me. I turn to see him leaning against my door, his eyes blazing.

I let go of Lars and scowl. “I want answers.”

“And I don’t want a wife. We don’t always get what we want.”

Ouch.

“Go to hell Dane.”

His face hardens. “I’m already there Olivia.”

I look to my door. “Why are you waiting at my door? If you try and kiss me again I’ll punch you in the nut sack.”

Lars makes another choking sound, but when I look at him his expression is impassive.